My Grandfather Named Himself After Me
May 2, 2019 Uncategorized 9 comments ebarnett19
I have had many jaw dropping moments within my family where I learned something new about my family. The most interesting story I have been told is when my grandfather named himself after me. Yes, my grandfather named himself after me. When I was four my grandfather was looking to change his name. After my grandfather filtered through many names he decided to change his name with his middle name being Ethan.
My grandfather approached my parents asking about the name change and my parents were not happy about the possibility of the name change. My parents did not want people to think I was named after him because I was not meant to be. After my parents said that they did not like the idea of the name change my grandfather announced that he had already changed his name. This obviously frustrated my parents as he asked for permission after already going through with the action. Now when I go to the town office I hear statements like “Oh you’re named after your grandfather that’s so sweet” and then conversations get very awkward when I respond saying “no he named himself after me” as this is a very rare scenario. This majorly changed my perspective of my family as it makes me feel very cool that someone fifty years older than me named themselves after me. Although this makes me feel very cool it is also very strange to explain this to people, or to even think about myself.
My grandfather did not change his name because he wanted to however. My grandfather changed his name because another person had the same name as him and was getting in trouble with authorities. Being a local business owner at the time my grandfather needed to change his name to avoid bad publicity within the community. The man who was getting in trouble with the authorities was in a huge case so it was very publicized. With how negatively publicized this case was my grandfather wanted to avoid being involved in this negative publicity and changed his name.
By changing his name he affected both mine and his life. He affected his life in a good way as he avoided negative exposure as well as all the potentially negative views on his business. This name change affected me by everyone thinking I am named after my grandfather as well as the awkward conversations that follow. These conversations often follow as I want people to understand that he is named after me and not the other way around. Even though this is a strange situation this event has not drastically affected me. I very rarely talk of this event as it is very strange to me and is an awkward event to explain. In learning about this event I have learned that my family is very unique and and often does things based on instinct. I also learned that unlike in most situations I am not named after my grandfather and he is actually named after me.
When my grandfather made the decision to change his name he was living in Maine while my family was still living in Tennessee so it was a very unique situation as when my grandfather asked my parents about the situation he was not able to ask them face to face and had to ask them over the phone. Although this situation had very little impact on my life and the way that I live everyday this is a very weird situation, and almost sounds like something that would be made up. This event did not destroy any relationships, and affected very little in the way that we as a family think of each other. My grandfather and I still have a very close relationship as our family spends most of the summer at his house. Our family is all very close and we spend a great amount of time together throughout the year.
This is a very interesting event in my family history. This is also an event that I can joke around about and will continue to joke around about. This is a very unique event, as the event that occurred is very rare and almost unheard of. My grandfather and I are still fairly close and spend a lot of time together. In conclusion my grandfathers middle name may be Ethan, but he named himself after me.
Photo by TheVinamra on Foter.com / CC BY
9 Comments
I’ve always found the whole naming your children the same name as you because my sister was gonna be Gary the third. After my grandfather and father. I really like the in depth description and how your grandfathers story was intricate. He was scared because there feelings would be hurt but its all in the thought of mind.
I like the fact that someone older then you wants to be almost in a way like you, I was named after my great grandfather John Emerson so I think it is pretty cool that it is the other way around.
Finding out something that is part of your family history that you can joke around is the best. This story is something that I can see would make you happy. Having that speical connection or having the name in your family means a lot to people. I like the way you made this speical, but laughing.
Amazing story. I know it is a confusing story to tell people but some may find it very interesting. I was a little confused at first then I continued reading. The special connection or bond you have with someone relative or not is simply amazing and probably one of the best things you could ever have.
I clicked on this post expecting the title to be a joke and was pleasantly shocked when realizing the truth in your statement. The reasoning in why your grandfather had to change his name is upsetting and I can see why he did so but it is hilarious that he waited to ask your parents until he had already done the deed (Talk about awkward).
I find it quite interesting that your grandfather choose to have a name change so late in life, but it certainly does bring quite an interesting tale to the family, and it surely ties you and your grandfather together in some way. Even if it was never intended to, Wonderful writing, and an interesting story to boot.
This is a very interesting story I could definitely see your parents freaking out. This is a very funny story and had me laughing out loud while I was reading it.This is a very interesting and something that is different.
This is a very interesting story, I on the other opposite hand am named after my grandmother and have her name as my middle name, my little brothers middle name is also my grandfathers name. Thanks for sharing such an interesting story about your family history, very well written.
Really enjoyed the title. Grabbed my attention. To know that it was a reality made reading this even more interesting. I see why your parents may have been frustrated and annoyed. But at least you have a chance to tell this interesting story to others. Not everyday that someone can say their Grandfather is named after them.